THOMAS HEATON/Honolulu Civil Beat

Honolulu Civil Beat
Kaua’i billionaire wants to sell prime ag land. Hawaii might buy it
Although some Kaua‘i residents and farmers have raised concerns about the price tag, they are approaching the deal with cautious optimism. Keeping the land in agricultural production would alleviate longstanding fears that it could end up being developed.
 
This Plant Can Power Grids, Planes, Poultry And Cattle. Hawaiʻi Isn’t Sold
The Hawaiʻi Renewable Fuels Coalition sees the camelina plant, a brassica and close relative of canola, as a multi-win crop. Farmers could plant it between food crops to improve soil and its seeds can be harvested and pressed for oil, while a byproduct of that processing can feed poultry and cattle.
 
Hawaii hemp growers say new state rules will put them out of business
The new regulations limit the allowable level of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component of cannabis known as THC, in locally produced hemp products like gummies, drinks, tinctures and oils. Those products are marketed for the benefits of a second non-intoxicating compound call
 
Safer buildings vs more housing: How new building codes may impact Hawaii
That inadvertently resulted in the state adopting an unamended version of the regulations formulated by the International Code Council, whose sweeping codes inform jurisdictions nationwide, from Montana to Puerto Rico. That means they include things Hawaii doesn’t need to worry about, like snow.
 
17,000 axis deer were killed on Maui this year, but they just keep coming
The land adjacent to the botanical gardens is a county-owned park. Sherrill suspects barking dogs in the park pushed the deer toward the garden fence line on Nov. 7, the largest herd she’s seen there in her 20-plus years working with the organization.
 
As rhinoceros beetles spread, Hawaii board bolsters pest control powers
Once finalized, the rules will prohibit the movement of infested materials like soils and compost between islands and increase inspection requirements. They also will include specific examples of invasive species to help guide the department and industry.
 
Honolulu’s dying palms to be replaced with this new tree — for now
The city began work Monday to cut down 80 dying coconut palms between Haleiwa and Mokuleia on Oahu’s North Shore. About 100 were already felled on the Leeward Coast.
 
Hawaii has gone down under for invasive species advice – again
Over five days, 17 people – five legislators and representatives of four state departments – visited New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, and its largest city, Auckland, to tour ports, airports and biosecurity facilities. New Zealand is recognized worldwide for its biosecurity program, one started mor
 
Hawaii ag agency won’t get all the money slated for pest management after all
Green said the agency likely couldn’t spend the money before it lapsed because the agency didn’t have the staffing to effectively identify and oversee initiatives that would put it to use. The biosecurity program still has another $10 million that Green left in the budget.
 
Cattle are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Hawaii seaweed could change that
Limu kohu is most traditionally destined for poke bowls, but the distinctive-tasting seaweed is now being fed to cattle in a trial to reduce the amount of methane they burp into the atmosphere.